Hot and Sour Soup with Shrimp

Nothing makes you feel better on a cold and crummy day than a bowl of piping hot soup. O.K. maybe a hug helps too, but soup is the best. Take this hot and sour soup for instance, tons of good for you veggies and a sweet and tangy broth you'll want to slurp up every last drop of. 

Sorry about the crummy pic's guys. I've been feeling icky and all I had in me was a handful of half hearted shots. I'll tell you though I'm SO glad I saw this thing coming and made this soup yesterday so I could have some today in between naps. O.K., my mommy made it for me. You're never too old for your mom to make you a bowl of home made soup right?

I almost always make home made chicken and veggies soup with tons of fresh herbs when I'm feeling  sick but something about this sweet and sour one I saw on Eats Well With Others really caught my eye. The broth is spot on with fresh ginger, a bit of tamari and a splash of rice vinegar and I love all of the healthy veggies in here. If this doesn't snap me out of my head cold, nothing will. 

For an extra kick in the head, sprinkle in a few drops of Sirachi Hot Sauce! That'll clear ya up!

recipe adapted from Eats Well With Others

TIME        20 MINUTES           SERVES       6

Ingredients

3 tbsp sesame or peanut oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and sliced very thinly
1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 cup diced carrots
½ savoy cabbage, coarsely chopped
1 lb medium size shrimp, peeled, deveined
2½ quarts water or vegetable broth
½ cup tamari sauce
⅓ cup Organic rice vinegar
2 tsp salt
2 tsp ground black pepper
½ cup cold water
¼ cup cornstarch
1 cup shitake mushrooms, stems removed and sliced thinly
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
2 cups bok choy, chopped
14 oz canned diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
Hot Pepper Flakes to taste

Instructions

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add in the onions, ginger, and chiles and cook for a few minutes, stirring. Add in the sweet potato, carrots and cabbage and bok choy. Cover and cook for about 3 minutes, or until cabbage starts to wilt. Add in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.

In the meantime, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, salt, pepper, cold water, and cornstarch in a separate bowl. Set aside.

Add the mushrooms and bell peppers to the pot. Simmer until the veggies are tender, about 8 minutes. Add in the soy sauce mixture and stir until the soup thickens, about 8 minutes. Add in the tomatoes and bring the soup back to a simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the sesame oil.

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Simple, Fantastic Pozole!

 If only a picture could speak a million words.... is that how the saying goes?

Leftover turkey dreams about being turned into this spicy, beautiful soup. Pozole is one of my most cherished meals. I've only made it a couple of times from scratch because to make it authenticly requires a lot of prep work and an attention span that I seem to have temporarily traded in for  breaking up major LEGO disputes, tending to owie after owie and wiping noses. Basically just keeping 4 kids alive all day is my full time job right now.


As I mentioned earlier, we were lucky enough to enjoy T-Day dinner at our parents homes this year. I couldn't however pass up the opportunity for a turkey of my very own. And so roast I did. A big, beautiful, organic turkey that had a spa day treatment.  Rubbed in herbs and virgin olive oil then.....  I'll post that next, stay tuned.  Christmas turkey's are all the rage!


As I was saying, the leftover turkey possibilities were dangling above my head at night as did sugar plum fairies years ago. Pozole was numero uno on my 'must have' list this year and I vowed had no choice due to previous stated excuses but to make it simple, make it fast and most importantly not sacrificing the authentic flavour I so adore!

Mission Accomplished my Friends!

You Will Need:

2-3 cups cooked Turkey, chopped

1- 29 oz. can Hominy ( about 2 cups)

1- 28 oz. can *Enchiladas Verde's  ( green )

4 cups Organic Chicken broth

1 small yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

1 tablespoon Mexican Oregano ( use regular if you don't have)

sliced radishes for garnish, lots of radish!

lime wedges, lots of lime!

optional garnishes: chopped green cabbage .. mmmmm
sliced jalapenos ... oh yeah
low-fat sour cream .. for the kiddos 

Putting it All Together: 

In a large stock pot over med-high heat, saute onion for 4 minutes. Add garlic, saute 1 minute more. Add broth, stirring to incorporate browned bits. Add enchilada sauce, hominy, turkey, cilantro and oregano. Reduce heat and simmer till warmed through, about 10 minutes. Ladle soup into bowls, squeeze lime juice into.Garnish with a small handful of very thinly sliced radish ( my favorite part!), a small bit of chopped cabbage and jalapenos if your feelin feisty! Ole'!

 Ice cold cerveza optional but highly recommended!

Nope, there's nothing missing. That's it! Enjoy!

*If you'll be serving this to small children or for those of you who don't like any spiciness, I recommend Hatch's mild  Enchilada Verde sauce. Otherwise, I recommend Las Palmas Enchiladas verdes sauce.

                    

 

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Harvest Turkey Soup with Jamaican Spice

My favorite part about thanksgiving other then chillin with the fam is left over turkey. I look forward to it all year and even buy an extra big turkey to cook and freeze for turkey soup, posole and other savory goodies.


I had butternut squash and asparagus in my crisper and decided that they would be perfect in a turkey soup. Crisp corn, garlic, mushrooms and a pinch of Jamaican allspice made this a wonderful  sweet  and  savory  soup the whole family loved.



Ditch the canned soup and try this the next time your body craves some comfort food.

Harvest Turkey Soup

2 cups cooked, cubed turkey
6 cups home made or good quality chicken broth
2 cups cubed butternut squash
1 cup sweet corn
1 cup chopped asparagus
1-8 oz can mushrooms, drained
1 small yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced                                                                                          

1 teaspoon olive oil                                                                                                                               1 teaspoon Bragg's Season All                                                                                                       1 teaspoon Jamaican allspice
salt and pepper to taste

In a heavy based soup pot, heat oil over med-high heat. Add onion, cook till golden brown. Add garlic, cook 1 more minute. Add broth and squash, cook for 10 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, lower heat, cover and cook till heated through, about 7 minutes.

What's your favorite way to use left over turkey?

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Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry

This simple, vegetarian green curry is healthy, delicious and has just the right amount of spices to warm your body up. It's mild and slightly sweet taste makes this a family favorite.

It's been so hard for me to be indoors, especially sitting at a computer lately. The weather has finally cooled down to the 60's in the mornings and evenings (still in the 90's during the day) here in Phoenix and this is the time of year most of us Zonies are active outdoors. Hiking, biking, going to the park and Fall baseball for the boys which has been taking up most of my evenings.  So forgive my lack of posting more than once a week because if I'm not doing one of the aforementioned activities your sure to find me sitting on a patio somewhere sipping on a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. 

I hope that doesn't get a big, virtual snowball thrown at me from my Canadian or East coast friends!

Green curry is one of my favorite tastes. It can not be compared to anything else out there and I forget how much I love it every time I have it again, which isn't often enough. It comes in a little jar found in the Asian section of most grocery stores and you only need a small spoonful added to broth or coconut milk to add a whole new dimension to your meal. Serve this creamy curry over Basmati or Jasmin rice for a simple weeknight dinner cozied up next to a fire. 

TIME      60 MINUTES        SERVES 6-8

1 tablespoon Oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves Garlic, chopped
1 bunch Cilantro, chopped (stalks and leaves separated, reserve the stalks)
1 medium Butternut Squash, peeled and diced
1 can Chickpeas drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons Korma Paste or other Green Curry Paste (not cooking sauce)
1 can full fat Coconut Milk
2 cups Water
2 cups Baby Spinach
1/2 cup Frozen Peas
Salt to taste
2 cups Basmati Rice

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large and deep pan and cook chopped onions, garlic and cilantro stalks over low heat for 10 minutes until soft.

Meanwhile peel your squash with a vegetable peeler and dice it into small pieces.  When the onions are tender add the curry paste and cook for a minute or so stirring the whole time, then add your squash, chickpeas, coconut milk, water and a pinch of salt, bring it to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer covered for 35-40 minutes.  Stir it occasionally and add a few splashes of water if it gets too dry.

Cook your rice according to the package instructions.

Test the butternut squash, it should be fork tender by this point but not falling apart. Your curry should be thick so if it’s too runny, uncover and let the liquid cook down for a few more minutes. When you are satisfied with the consistency of the curry stir in peas, spinach and cilantro leaves, cover with a lid and take off the heat.

 Serve with steaming hot basmati rice. 

Recipe slightly adapted from Vikalinka







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Roasted Cauliflower Florets with Sweet Curried Quinoa

Cauliflower Green Bean and Chickpea Curry

Pumpkin Chickpea and Red Lentil Stew

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Zuppa Toscana

This is one of our favorite meals, and it happens to be soup. That's right soup. What's not to love about soup? Nothing! There's just something about it that is so comforting and wonderful. It's healthy, easy to make and a frugal mom's best friend. Soup warms your soul and brings friends and families together around the dinner table. You serve it to a sick person to heal them. Bring it to a friend to comfort them and serve it to children to put a smile on their faces and good things in their tummies.

My mom and I used to go to Olive Garden to have soup and salad for lunch. Pretty much the only thing I've ever had at Olive Garden was their Zuppa Toscana and house salad. Of course over the years their soup has consisted of more broth and less filling and flavour.

So, of course I started making my own. It's more flavourful and healthier and my whole family can enjoy Zuppa Toscana in the comfort of our home for much less than it costs to eat out. Who takes 4 kids out to a restaurant anyway?

Add chopped kale in large handfuls, it will cook down!

Told ya so.

TIME   20 MINUTES    SERVES   6-8You Will Need:
1 bunch Kale, rinsed and chopped
1 small yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 can, Cannelini beans, drained and rinsed
3 Russet potatoes, washed and sliced thinly ( leave the peels on, they're full of vitamins!!!)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
6-8 cups Organic Chicken Broth (not in a can)
Italian Sausage


Putting it all together:

First, smash and chop garlic. Place a large ceramic dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add oil. When hot, add onion, saute 3-4 minutes till soft and browned. Add garlic, cook just 30 more seconds. Add sausage breaking up to small pieces. Cook till browned, about 4 minutes. Pour in broth while scraping bottom of pot with a plastic spatula to remove browned bits (deglaze). Add potatoes, kale and beans. Bring to soft boil, turn down heat to medium-low, cover and cook 10 minutes to combine flavours. Add salt if needed. Serve with crusty Rosemary Olive Oil bread...... I just so happen to have the worlds best recipe for crusty artisian bread, Rosemary Filone   right here on my humble little blog!

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Ethiopian Ground Nut Wat (Stew) #RecipeRedux

While I'm a big fan of Mexican food and the spices and flavors that go with it I also love trying new flavors and foods from all parts of the World. You definitely will get out of your 'comfort zone' of cooking with this very flavorful stew from Ethiopia. Roasted veggies are slowly simmered in a thick and creamy sauce of almond butter and 'exotic' yet not hard to find spices. In fact, you probably already have most of them somewhere in the back of your spice cabinet!

That's what this month's Recipe Redux challenge is all about, spooky spices. Have you ever bought a certain spice and used it once or not at all wondering what to do with it? I sure have. There's a 12 step program called "How to resist the urge to buy every single spice you see just because it looks or smells interesting." that I could probably benefit from. 

So, while the peanut butter was an important addition for the cultural flair of this dish, I felt it smothered the other wonderful spices going on. I've made this several times and I like to use Almond Butter instead of peanut butter in this dish because it is much milder and very creamy and complimenting to the other flavors. Make sure to whisk in a small amount of the hot liquid into the almond butter so it will incorporate into the dish better. You don't want to have big chunks of peanut butter in some bites........ or do you? 

I also have used canned, stewed tomatoes in lou of fresh when not in season which taste just as good. Who knew tomatoes and almond butter would go good together in a dish? Craziness!

What spices are hiding out in your spice cabinet that you rarely or have never used?

SERVES  6        TIME  60 MINUTES

Ingredients:
1/2 head of cauliflower, cut into bite-size pieces
1 t olive oil
salt
1 t olive oil
1 onion, minced
2 carrots, peeled, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium sweet potato, peeled, cubed
1/2 c red lentils
1/4 t chili pepper
2 cardamom pods, or 1/2 t ground
1 stick cinnamon
1/2 t fresh ground pepper
3 whole cloves
1 inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced
2 tomatoes, chopped
2 c chicken broth or water
1/4 c almond butter
salt to taste
1/4 c chopped peanuts
2 scallions, chopped

2 c arugula
lemon juice
salt



Putting it all together:

Toss the cauliflower in the olive oil, add salt and roast in a 350 oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is lightly browned turning once half way through.

In a large pot, heat the olive oil, add the onion, garlic, carrot, sweet potato, lentils, chili flakes, and the rest of the spices. Saute the vegetables until the onions are golden brown and translucent, stirring often.

Add the tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes are broken up.

Add the broth, cover and cook on medium-low  until the lentils and sweet potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Remove the whole cinnamon stick and whole cloves from the pot and discard.

When the cauliflower is ready add it and the almond butter (combined with a few tablespoons of hot broth to break it up) and stir well to combine. Add salt to taste.

Toss the arugula with the lemon juice and season with salt.
Serve garnished with scallions, peanuts and the arugula.

You may also put everything (except the almond butter) in a crock pot and cook for 6 hours on low. Add the peanut butter in the last half hour. Roasting the cauliflower will give it better flavor as well. 

An InLinkz Link-up

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Hunters Stew #SundaySupper

This stew has all the flavors you need to keep cozy and warm on the coldest of nights. You can easily substitute your favorite fall or winter veggies in this stew and be enjoying every spoonful of the rich, savory broth in about 30 minutes. 

This months Sunday Supper is all about budget friendly meals. With four kiddos in sports, preschool, college {!!!} , dance, art, chess club, cub scouts and baseball I'm all for budget friendly meals! Christmas budget anyone??? 

Thanks for hosting this month T.R. from Gluten-Free Crumbley and David from Cooking Chat!

Ground bison is a very low fat, low cholesterol substitution for ground beef and is actually more like ground turkey than ground beef nutritionally speaking. Bison is lower in fat than beef and lower in cholesterol than chicken, making it a healthy alternative to these more commonly consumed meats. Just remember that the low-fat content makes it easy to overcook bison. Compared to farm raised cows, bison are mainly free range meaning they are not injected with hormones and antibiotics and consume a natural diet while roaming freely. 

Butternut squash, brussel sprouts and beans are all fairly frugal pantry staples making this simple yet hearty stew a budget friendly supper. Bison is a bit more expensive than ground beef but well worth it when it comes to nutrition and taste. Tomato paste really adds an earthy and complex element when combined with the other ingredients in this stew requiring no additional herbs  or spices. Just a bit of salt and pepper.

On a side note, I'm trying my hand at  dark mood photography....... bear with me. Actually, it won't be a regular thing here on Simply Healthy Family as it's not my style but there is occasion where I'd like to create a "dark" mood as in this Hunters Stew. I obviously didn't do a stellar job on my first try but I'm a practice makes perfect kind of gal.

SERVES      8          TIME     30 MINUTES

You Will Need
A large cast iron enameled Dutch Oven
8 cups (2 quarts) Organic, free range chicken broth
1 pound ground bison1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 cups cooked white beans (cannellini or navy)
2 cups cubed butternut squash (1 small squash, I cheat and buy pre-chopped on this)
2 cups, smallish brussel sprouts, trimmed
1 heaping spoonful Organic tomato paste
1 tablespoon olive oilsalt and pepper to taste


Prepare all veggies ahead of time. Preheat Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil. Add onion and sauté for 5-8 minutes. Add ground bison and cook till browned, 6-8 minutes lowering heat a bit if necessary. Add tomato paste and stir to combine. Pour in broth while scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden or plastic spoon to remove browned bits.

Add squash, brussel sprouts, beans and salt, stir. Lower heat and cover. Simmer 15 minutes to warmed through. Add freshly cracked pepper to taste.

What are your families favorite Budget Friendly Meals?  Share!

Have you ever cooked with bison, elk or other wild game? 

Would you?

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement

Scrumptious Mains (Breakfast and Dinner)

• Curry Baked Chicken Wings from Chocolate Moosey
• Shrimp Fried Rice from The Redhead Baker
• Spicy Marinated Steak Tacos from Nik Snacks
• Vegan Black Bean Soup from Killer Bunnies, Inc
• Slow Cooker Swiss Steak from Nosh My Way
• Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili from Peaceful Cooking
• Curry Veg Soup from Jane's Adventures in Dinner
• Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Beef from Noshing With The Nolands
• Tortelini and Cannelini Minestrone with Spinach from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
• Addictive Korean Beef Bowl from A Mama, Baby & Shar-pei in the Kitchen
• Grilled Lemon Chicken with Corn Salad from Brunch with Joy
• Five Bean Chili from The Foodie Army Wife
• Vaca Frita from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Chicken Pot Pie Turnovers from The Life and Loves of Grumpy's Honeybunch
• Spaghetti Squash Nests with Meatballs from Curious Cuisiniere
• Chicken Meatballs and Spaghetti from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
• Cauliflower Chowder from Flavor Mosaic
• Individual Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal Cups from Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole from Yours And Mine Are Ours
• Mac, Veggie and Cheese Casserole from Cooking Chat
• Loaded Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili from Sue's Nutrition Buzz
• Chicken Pot Pie Cupcakes from Having Fun Saving
• Vegetable Fried Rice from Basic N Delicious
• Comforting White Bean-Pancetta Soup from The Weekend Gourmet
• Mujadara with Lebanase Salata from Take A Bite Out of Boca
• Hunters Stew from Simply Healthy Family
• Brats and Kraut from Confessions of a Culinary Diva
• Beef Taco Soup from Fit Foodie Runs
• Slow Cooker "Hash Brown" Breakfast Casserole {#lowcarb #glutenfree} from Cupcakes and Kale Chips
• French Toast Pigs in a Blanket from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
• Orecchiette Pasta with Brie, Broccoli and Tomatoes from Family Foodie
• Gluten Free Spinach and Feta Frittata from Gluten Free Crumbley

Satisfying Sides

• Tender Whole Wheat Bread from What Smells So Good?
• Austin-Style Black Beans from The Texan New Yorker
• Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls w/Creamy Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce from Daily Dish Recipes

Sweet Treats

• Apple Blackberry Crisp from Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos
• Brown Sugar Shortbread from Shockingly Delicious
• Rock Cakes from Happy Baking Days
• Incredible White Chocolate Brownies from The Perfect Brownie
• Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl
• Autumn Spice Truffles from Desserts Required
• Profiteroles with Caramel Drizzle from Food Lust People Love
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cake Donuts from NinjaBaking.com
• Carrot Cake Sheet Cake from Pies and Plots
• Risalamande (Danish Christmas Eve Rice Pudding) from Culinary Adventures with Camilla

Sips, Spreads, and Snacks

• Pumpkin Spice Roasted Pumpkin Seeds from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
• Tex Mex Chicken Salad Spread from Momma's Meals
• Budget Friendly Wines for Budget Friendly #SundaySupper from ENOFYLZ Wine Blog

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Golden Beet Ragout ~ Italian Inspired Comfort Food

Beets. The infamously dreaded root vegetable. I must admit that I pass them by at the grocer and the farmers market more often than not. Mostly, I think, it's that I'm not sure what to do with the little guys other than pickle them and put them in my salad. 

Thanks to a little contest sponsored by McCormick Gourmet asking that we come up with a recipe using 4 ingredients, one of which is beets I decided to dive in and come up with something different, pleasing to the eye and palatable even for beet haters from way back.

Go me.

Like I mentioned, pickling beets is my favorite way to enjoy this shunned veggie but I decided to try roasting them this time and then throwing them into my ragout at the last minute.

Success.

*post note to self.   Do not cut red beets on your wood cutting board next time. They bleed like a stuck pig and stain like crazy.

In the end, I decided to go with these pretty golden beets for this Ragout. Not only would they not 'bleed' into the rest of the ingredients, which wasn't really a big deal since I was using tomatoes but I could ease the kids into trying them since they looked more like sweet potatoes or squash which they like. 

So as I racked my ever increasingly boggled mind as what to make for this contest, I decided upon a humble ragout. 'Ratatouille' is one of my favorite movies you know. Not only is the little rat cute and can think on his toes but he made this poor man's dish a fashionable meal. 

The contest was to come up with a dish that used 4 ingredients: Beets, Arborio rice {which I can't pronounce to save my life}, balsamic vinegar (yum) and dried rosemary. Then incorporate other ingredients if you so please.

No problemo. 

If you have time, I'd much appreciate if you'd stop by and quickly Pin and/or 'like' my submission. 

Means the world to this simple girl.

SERVES    6       TIME    90 MINUTES      
Ingredients

1 cup dried (or 1 can) of Great Northern Beans (AKA Navy beans)
3 small beets *see notes
1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 small yellow onion, chopped
3-4 cloves garlic
2 teaspoons dried rosemary
1 teaspoon salt (I use Pink Himalayan)
cracked black pepper to taste1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 cups vegetable broth (preferably organic or home made)
*optional fresh rosemary for garnish

2 cups cooked Arborio rice *see notes 



Putting it all together

Pre-heat oven to 450F. Scrub beets with warm water. Trim the roots and stems off. cover each loosely with foil and place in a baking dish. Bake for 60-90 minutes depending on how big your beets are.
Cook rice according to package directions. See notes for helpful hints on cooking arborio rice.

In a dutch oven or large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes till browned. Add garlic, cook 1 more minute reducing heat if necessary. Slowly pour in broth while scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release browned bits (don't be afraid of browning on your pot, it really adds flavor).

Remove beets from oven and let cool. The skins should come off very easily using a blunt knife or spoon. Discard skins. Chop beets into small, bite size pieces.

Add beets, tomatoes, cooked beans, salt, pepper and rosemary. Stir in balsamic vinegar. 

Serve with hot rice.

notes.

Choose beets that are smaller that the size of your fist. The larger they are, the more bitter and "earthy".

Arborio rice is different to prepare than any other rice but it's worth it. Packaged rice should give you instructions but I buy bulk.  If you do as well, bring 1 1/2 cups water & 1 cup rice to a boil while stirring! (I suggest using a wooden spoon as it is non-conductive and less abrasive). Cover and recuce heat to medium. You will need to check the rice about every 3-5 minutes and stir carefully. When the water is not quite all the way absorbed (be careful, you don't want it to completely absorb as you will have sticky, gooey rice) you will slowly add 1 cup more of water and gently stir. Cook over medium heat while continuing to stir every 3-5 minutes, covered, and adding 1 more cup just before the liquid is completley absorbed. Do this 3 times for a total of 3 extra cups of liquid.

You can do this. Yes, it is worth it. Arborio rice is much loved in making risotto and goes marvelously with this ragout.

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Cauliflower-Yam Bisque

It's still in the high 90's here in Phoenix, but I can't wait any longer for my favorite Fall foods. Sometimes I really think I live in the wrong climate zone for my personality and wants. I have a closet full of cute boots and thick sweaters and jackets that I only get to wear once or twice a year. My attempts at gardening have been futile for the most part due to the heat and horrible rocky "soil". And I love soups, chili's and bisques. It's not quite as enjoyable eating chili when it's 98 degrees outside in October. Oh well, I'll get over my "grass is greener on the other side of the hill" attitude and move on.

Yesterday, it was ever so slightly cloudy out and so I jumped at the chance to make this Cauliflower-Yam bisque for lunch. The kids actually love this dish and so it makes it a bit more enjoyable to make. It's so super easy too, that's the name of the game here at Simply Healthy Family. I use my pressure cooker and simply tear the cauliflower into thirds along with the yam. I chop the yam in big chunks so they cook evenly. That's the beauty of a pressure cooker, I've never messed up anything! It locks in moisture which means no lost vitamins and minerals through the steam, that also means more flavorful tasting foods! It took 3 minutes to cook  a big head of cauliflower and 2 yams.




Thank you Deb at  kahakai kitchen and Tina at Mom's Crazy Kitchen for hosting such a fun idea. Every sunday is souper sundays and bloggers from all over the world get the chance to share their favorite soups, stews, chili's and anything else you can slurp with a spoon. My bisque is linked up on her website this week. Hop on over for plenty of warm, feel good recipes to get you through the Fall and Winter months.


                            

Place a trivet in bottom of pressure cooker. Add 1 cup Organic chicken broth or water. I like the flavor and vitamins from broth. Add 1 head cauliflower and 2 yams. Turn stove on to high heat. Secure lid onto pressure cooker. Bring to 1st red ring, lower heat to lowest setting set timer for 3 minutes.

Bring pressure down naturally or by running water over lid.

Using an immersion blender on high, blend to combine cauliflower and yams.

In goes ze buttah.

 Add 1 cup almond milk OR half and half or heavy cream. Blend untill very smooth.

I add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, sea salt, freshly cracked pepper medley 

and garnish with chives.

Bon Apetite!

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Chicken Poblano Chowder

When I imagine a perfect Autumn day it would be one with me sitting on the porch with my woven slippers on, one foot tucked underneath me while watching the leaves tremble off of the enormous shade trees, colors so pretty they make your heart flutter. A crisp breeze would be playing all around me making wisps of my hair fly off my neck and having me pull my favorite quilt tighter against my body. Of course under these circumstances I would need a bowl of hot soup hearty enough to satisfy both tummy and soul. Sometimes, only a bowl of home made soup will do.

Alas, I don't have a porch, there are no trees worthy of such marvel and my quilt is still packed away in the closet. Fall in the Sonoran dessert leaves much to the imagination. Luckily however, I do have soup. And Fall Ball, there's always that. Tonight is little man #3's third baseball game against their 'rivals' who has rivals at 8 years old?







“By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by the National Pasta Association and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.”




Poblano peppers are my most favorite flavor addition ever. EVER. { I think I may or may not have said that about fresh herbs from the garden before but consider poblanos a tie } Broil or grill them (if you have a charcoal grill go that route for ultimate impression) and BAM, all the flavor you need besides cheese (of course) as is in this hearty chowder. 



Pasta is what makes this simple dinner a hearty and satisfying meal. A little goes a long way in this chowder and adds that comfort food appeal. Healthy carbs will replenish your body after a long hard day. Just ask any athlete and they'll tell you, pasta is they're best friend because it refuels the body and gives you more energy and endurance. As one of my younger brothers says before a triathlon, "Gotta Carb Up!"




I keep an embarrassing assortment of pasta in my pantry to add to any last minute dinner composition. We're talking soba and rice noodles to fancifully shaped whole wheat ones in this chowder.  The fact that a box of pasta costs only a dollar or two makes this busy mom of four very happy. 

You Will Need
1 cup of your favorite whole wheat pasta
2 chicken breasts, chopped
1 tablespoon *High Heat oil
2 cans of cannelini beans, drained and rinsed
1 poblano pepper, roasted and peeled
6 cups (1 1/2 quarts) free range, Organic chicken broth (can use 1 quart broth and 2 cups water :)
1 cup frozen corn
1 yellow onion, chopped
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup freshly grated Jack cheese
2 teaspoons Mexican Oregano
salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
garnish with cilantro and green onions

Place the oven rack on the top 1/3 of the oven. Preheat the broiler. In a cast iron skillet or broiler pan place the poblano pepper (make sure it is dry) and broil for 5-7 minutes, using tongs flip it over and broil another 5-7 minutes until the skin is bubbling and charred. Carefully remove from oven and immediately place in a paper (or plastic) and roll closed. This will allow the pepper to steam and so the skin will come off easily. This can be done a day or two in advance. {I roast several and freeze them}    When cooled, remove skin (and seeds if you wish) then chop into bite size pieces. 


Meanwhile, in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat, add oil, let heat up for a few minutes. Add chopped onion and let cook for 3 minutes, stirring once. Add (thawed) chicken breast and toss to coat. Cook 6-8 minutes till chicken is browned. Pour in broth while scraping browned bits off the bottom of the pot with a wooden or plastic spoon. Add pasta. 

Add beans, corn, chopped poblano pepper, salt and Mexican Oregano. Turn the heat down to low and cook for 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and Jack cheese. 

Add freshly cracked pepper to your linking and garnish with cilantro and green onions if you please. 

*Please do not use olive oil for frying or sautéing. It is NOT a high heat oil. The chemical make up of it will change and can be toxic for your body. Please click here for a list of good oils to use for high heat cooking. 

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